Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong has spoken of his delight and relief after finally making his comeback from injury on Wednesday.
The Ghana-born midfielder suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee while playing on loan at Wolverhampton last season, a similar injury to the one he suffered in his left knee in 2010.
But, with Wednesday s 20-minute cameo against Coventry City under his belt, Frimpong is delighted to have stepped back onto the Emirates Stadium pitch and is looking forward to the season.
It feels good to be back after so much hard work in the gym, and I m just pleased to be playing football again, Frimpong told Arsenal Player.
I m a footballer all I want to do is get out there and help my team, whether I am fit enough to play or fit enough to be in the squad. I just want to be out there with the lads and helping Arsenal progress.
(The crowd s reaction) makes me feel good obviously and shows that the fans appreciate me here. That is always a nice gesture and I am just happy that I went on to help the team win the game.
Despite being on the sidelines for so long, Frimpong did not let his absence affect his natural game, making and receiving strong challenges, which pleased the former England youth international.
I think it is quite important when you come back from a big injury. You want people to knock you about a bit. I got one, but I wanted more, he said.
